Yes to Mandai development

Do we need another nature-themed attraction?
YES: A nature escape will add to Singapore's attraction as a tourist destination, say travel agents
30ha of greenery in Mandai has been set aside for a new attraction near the Zoo and Night Safari, and the idea is already drawing varied reactions
Lim Wei Chean, Straits Times 22 Nov 07;

IT IS about time Singapore taps into the worldwide demand for nature tourism, but its new Mandai attraction must stand out from others that are bigger and nearby.

'Neighbouring countries have nature reserves that are many times bigger, so this is nothing extraordinary,' said Mr Robert Khoo, chief executive officer of the National Association of Travel Agents Singapore (Natas).

'But if Singapore, which to most people is an urban jungle, can also offer a taste of nature, that will be a new and exciting offering to the market.'

He welcomed Tuesday's announcement by the Singapore Tourism Board that a 30ha plot will be released for development into a nature-themed attraction next year.

Among the plus points:

It may help double the number of visitors to the Mandai area to five million by 2015;

It will be a new way for visitors and Singaporeans to enjoy and learn more about the native flora and fauna; and

It will add something new to Singapore's list of mostly urban offerings.

Mr Khoo said attractions are meant to entice visitors to spend more time here.

So Mandai's new draw must make visitors want to experience the lush tropical rainforest in addition to the great shopping and dining they already know to expect here.

Tourists who now spend 3.4 days here on average may stay longer if they know a nature-themed escape is available within Singapore.

'Tourists may even want to spend a day or two more staying in a forest lodge,' he said.

Having both urban and rural experiences within a compact island like Singapore will make this more of a value-for-money destination.

Mr Khoo thought the new attraction would prove a draw not only to tourists, but also to people living here.

'Our city is so small, everything is so built-up. So having a nature-themed park will be a welcome attraction for many Singaporeans too,' he said.

'All in, Natas embraces this as a positive development for Singapore.'

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